Trade Commissioner at Canadem

Summary of Position

• Under the direction of the Deputy High Commissioner and Regional Senior Trade Commissioner, the Trade Commissioner contributes significantly to the delivery of the Business Development Program by promoting the exports of goods and services, while identifying, following up and building on trade and investment opportunities for Canadian clients in key priority and emerging sectors including education, mining, infrastructure, etc.
• The Trade Commissioner will assist and/or lead in the coordination of the development and implementation of International Business Development initiatives and the provision of related Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) support to clients (Canadian companies) and partners (various DFATD divisions, OGDs, provincial and territorial governments, multilateral organizations and industry associations) for assigned areas and sectors of responsibilities for Nigeria and other territories of accreditations.
• The Trade Commissioner at the High Commission of Canada in Abuja plays an integral role as part of a team comprising the Regional Senior Trade Commissioner, the Trade Commissioners and the Assistant Trade Commissioner in the Deputy High Commission of Canada in Lagos trade and investment program for Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Sao Tome & Principe.
• The major responsibilities of the Trade Commissioner are in line with the Purpose, Vision and Core Values of the TCS and are reflected in the annual Commercial Economic Plan (CEP) developed by the LAGOS Trade and investment program. They include: providing high quality services to Canadian clients, developing and maintaining a solid local contact database, preparing and disseminating market information and intelligence to Canadian clients, initiating and managing promotional activities, analyzing and assessing local market conditions and develops for interpretation to Canadian clients as well as other priority trade development activities.
• The Trade Commissioner is accountable for planning and executing the CEP strategy on sectors of responsibility.

Essential Qualifications
Education:

• Successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university with a major in Commerce, Marketing, Business Administration and/or International Trade/Business.

Language:

• Fluent in English (oral and written).

Experience:

• Minimum 3 to 5 years recent experience working for an international organization involved in international business and/or trade, preferably with Canadian companies
• Recent experience in the preparation of briefing notes, presentations and reports for senior officials
• Recent experience in analyzing data and reports and evaluating their relevance to current and proposed government policies
• Recent experience in dealing with and obtaining information from public and private sectors and providing advice and information to senior officials on business and investment related issues.

Recent is defined as in the last 7 years.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge and understanding of Canadian and Nigerian trade objectives and priorities.
• Knowledge of the Nigerian and Canadian Education Sector.
• Knowledge of standard office procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (i.e. effective use of Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).

Ability/Competencies

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to plan, organize, evaluate and analyze reports and other relevant information to propose strategic recommendations.
• Ability to identify and prioritize Trade and Trade policy issues.
• Strong client focus.
• Sound judgment.
• Adaptability and flexibility.
• Initiative.
• Networking/Alliance Building.
• Presentation skills.
• Personal Integrity.

Asset Qualifications:
Preference may be given to candidates who have the following asset qualifications:

• Experience in promoting the Education Sector.
• A strong network of local contacts, both in the public and private sectors.
• Ability to communicate in French.
• Knowledge of EDU-Canada branding campaign.

If candidates meet the factors listed in the asset qualifications they must also clearly demonstrate how they meet these factors in their covering letter.

Organizational Needs
Operational Requirements:

• Ability to work overtime including on weekends
• Valid Driver’s license
• Willingness to travel

Condition(s) of Employment:

• Valid residency/work permit
• Able to obtain and retain an enhanced reliability clearance (security clearance)

Area of Selection/Eligibility:

• This position is open to individuals who are eligible to work in Nigeria, who meet all of the essential requirements stated below, and whose applications are received by the closing date.
• The Canadian Government is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community. Candidates will be considered on merit regardless of ethnic origin, religious belief, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or any other irrelevant factor.

Remuneration
Salary: 7,598,876 NGN per year.